As school makes its return, kids and teens will have plenty of moments to catch up with classmates and friends, but the Laredo Public Health Department is reminding families to make sure one thing they don’t catch is an illness
In a social media post, the department shared prevention and hygiene tips aimed at minimizing the spread of germs as students return to the classroom
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Recommendations include washing hands with warm water and soap, covering coughs and sneezes with an elbow, avoiding touching the face and regularly cleaning and disinfecting desks, tables and shared items. The department also advises students to stay home when sick and encourages vaccination against common viruses
If children are ill or begin showing symptoms, the department is asking parents and guardians to keep them home and allow them time to recover
“Parents and guardians, if your child has a fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or simply isn’t feeling well, giving them time to rest at home can help protect classmates, teachers and other families,” the department said in a statement
According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, influenza is among the illnesses that can spread in school settings
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“Flu can be especially serious for young children, children with chronic health conditions like asthma, and household members who are elderly or immunocompromised,” DSHS said
The agency encourages children and school staff to receive an annual flu vaccine as a preventive measure
